Native American Housing Assistance And Self Determination Act Of 1996 Nahasda

HUD has traditionally provided federal housing assistance to Native Americans through many of the same programs that have provided public housing to the nation's low-income families. However, this changed significantly on October 26, 1996, when the President signed the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA) into law. This act separated Indian housing programs from public housing programs and provides federal housing assistance for Indian tribes in a manner that recognizes the tribes' right of self-determination and self-governance. This report examines certain aspects of HUD's implementation of NAHASDA.

"The Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA) changed how the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides housing assistance to Native Americans. Congress created NAHASDA to recognize self-determination for tribes in addressing their low-income housing needs. In NAHASDA's 2008 reauthorization, Congress asked GAO to assess the program's effectiveness. This report discusses (1) how tribes have used NAHASDA funds, (2) how NAHASDA has improved the process of providing tribes with funds for housing, and (3) the extent to which NAHASDA has contributed to infrastructure improvements in tribal communities. GAO analyzed agency documentation, surveyed all tribes receiving grants in fiscal year 2008, conducted site visits with select tribes, and interviewed officials at HUD and other agencies. "